Technology migration program

ABSTRACT

A program by which retailers offer customers an exchange of older technology for newer technology. The older technology and newer technology have a common characteristic that facilitates the retailer to give the customer the newer technology for a reduced cost.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent incorporates by reference and claims priority to the entirecontents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/479,383, filed Jun.18, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for cost effectively updating an oldertechnology with a newer technology. More particularly, the inventionrelates to replacing the older technology with the newer technology, butat a lower price than the retail value of the newer technology.

BACKGROUND

In the worldwide commercial marketplace, change is the only constant.Quite often, the change involves advances in technology, for example, amovement from older to newer technology. Whether such newer technologyis deemed as being more efficient than the older technology for example,or being safer for the environment, the movement in technology is oftenspurred by such motivating factors. However, it is often common to findthe general public initially reluctant to accept and/or adapt to thenewer technology. Such reluctance can often stem from fears of changeand cost. The fear of change generally surfaces because people feelcomfortable with the older technology. However, quite often, the oldertechnology becomes outdated, and no longer supported by the marketplace.Thus, an environment is created in which the older technology needs tobe replaced with the newer technology. However, such newer technologyalso comes at a cost which people are hesitant, at least initially, toaccept.

The program of the invention is provided to address advances intechnology and help provide a vehicle for people that have the oldertechnology to benefit when replacing the older technology with newertechnology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method of replacing anolder technology with a newer technology. The method comprises providingan exchange program by which a retailer provides the newer technology ata reduced cost to a customer who owns the older technology. The methodalso includes requiring that the newer and the older technology eachhave a portion that is the same.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the invention provide a method ofreplacing an older technology with a newer technology. The methodcomprises offering a customer a service by which a retailer collects theolder technology from the customer. The method also includes providingan exchange program by which the retailer provides the newer technologyat a reduced cost to the customer in exchange for the older technology.

Also, certain embodiments of the invention provide a method of replacingan older technology with a newer technology. The method comprisesproviding an exchange program by which a retailer provides the newertechnology at a reduced cost to a customer who owns the oldertechnology. The method also includes requiring that the newer technologyand the older technology each have a portion that is the same, wherebythe older technology and the newer technology each having the portionthat is the same enables the retailer to provide the newer technology atthe reduced cost to the customer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an exemplary migrationprogram in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is to be read with reference to theFIGURE. The FIGURE depicts selected embodiments, but is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that many of thespecific steps of the method incorporating the inventive systemillustrated in the FIGURE could be changed or modified by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing significantly from thespirit of the invention.

In enabling the invention herein, specific new and old technologies mustbe detailed to allow for full reader appreciation. Thus, in reference tohome viewing entertainment, the new technology will involve DigitalVideo Discs (DVDs) and the old technology will involve Video Home System(VHS) cassettes or tapes. However, it is contemplated that thisinvention can be adapted to a variety of other new technologies slowlycoming into prominence over time, outdating the old or priortechnologies. By describing one specific new and old technology, itshould be appreciated that it is not done so with the intent to limitthe invention as such.

Since its debut in the marketplace, circa 1995, the Digital Video Disc(DVD) has proven itself to be a superlative format for home theater. Inless than a decade, DVD has edged-out the VHS videocassette as thestandard for home theater. Until recently (late 2002/early 2003), VHSand DVD movies were sold side-by-side on retailers' shelves acrossAmerica—but no more. Most retailers have either phased-out VHS entirely,or they are in the process of doing so. For those consumers who endeavorto purchase movies for private viewing in their own homes, the choicesseem to have narrowed themselves to DVD or nothing.

In turn, a problem exists for the consumers who have built a library ofVHS movies over the years, as transitioning from the VHS to the DVDformat poses considerable costs. Equipment is the least of these costs,as DVD players of average quality can be purchased for less than $100.Rather, the bulk of the expense in transitioning from VHS to DVD lies inreplicating one's existing library of VHS movies on DVD. The prospect ofhaving to purchase the same movies again is, to say the least,unpalatable for many consumers.

Instead of paying full retail price for DVD versions of the same VHSmovies they already own, some consumers have resorted to piracy (makingillegal copies). When the DVD format was introduced, the discsthemselves were hailed as being virtually impossible to copy, however,this is no longer the case. In addition, recordable DVD drives haveincreasingly been included as accessories in new home computers. As thecost of recordable DVD drives continues to drop, they become morecommonplace. Alternatively, for a modest sum, a recordable DVD drive kitmay be purchased for retrofit into an existing home computer, replacingthe system's CD ROM drive. This combination of relatively inexpensivehardware for making DVD copies, along with the current ability to copyDVDs, presents a realistic option for the consumer who feels that it istoo expensive to buy legitimately manufactured DVD versions of themovies that he or she already owns on VHS. As the prices for DVDrecorders continue to fall, and as the copying technique becomes moreefficient, more user-friendly and more prevalent across the Internet,this piracy option, even though illegal, is likely to tempt anincreasing number of consumers in the future.

The present invention provides a solution in which both the consumersand the makers of media for home theater would be advantaged. Obviously,when the consumer chooses to engage in piracy, the makers of the mediaare deprived of revenue, to which they would have otherwise beenentitled, had a retail sale of the DVD movie occurred. While a consumermay be able to save money by creating a pirated copy of a DVD filminstead of buying the DVD legitimately, by doing so, he or she isbreaking the law and can be prosecuted for copyright infringement ifcaught. The solution to the foregoing problem is an Old-to-NewTechnology Migration Program, or as related herein, a VHS to DVDMigration Program.

This solution is premised on the fact that while the consumer owns theVHS tape itself, he or she does not actually own the contents of it—theconsumer merely has a license to view the copyrighted material stored onthe tape. So, the price paid by the consumer at the time of originalretail purchase can be separated into at least two key components: (1) alicense fee, to view the copyrighted material; and (2) some componentfor the cost of the cassette itself, printing costs for the jacket, aswell as certain intangibles (such as royalties). A precise and detailedallocation is not essential for purposes of this discussion. It is mostimportant to note that the copyrighted material on the tape islicensed—not sold—to the consumer, and that some fractional share of thetotal purchase price represents good and valuable consideration, paid bythe consumer, in exchange for receiving such license rights to thecopyrighted material. With this in mind, it becomes abundantly clear whya consumer would feel it unnecessary to purchase an additional licenseto the same copyrighted material, when all (s)he really wants to do ismigrate from one format to another. This is the principle on which theVHS to DVD Migration Program rests.

The VHS to DVD Migration Program would call for the consumer tosurrender to the media producer his/her VHS copy of a particular film,and upon such surrender, the consumer receives a DVD copy of the sametitle, in exchange for a modest migration fee. The migration fee wouldlikely be an offset against the media producer's material costs (cost ofthe disc, jacket, etc. . . . ), and may also be reflective of otherintangibles, such as the convenience and value afforded to the consumerby the program. Note that this process does not entail any terminationof the license originally granted with the VHS tape—rather, this processdepends upon the license remaining in full force and effect throughoutthe migration process. As a result, the aforementioned migration feewould necessarily be far less than the full retail price of the DVD,since no additional consideration is paid for licensing the copyrightedcontent; the consumer retains the same license originally issued at thetime the VHS tape was first purchased, and (s)he merely migrates fromone video format to another, while the original license remains inplace.

In certain instances, the DVD version of a given title might containadditional copyrighted material (bonus footage, deleted scenes,director's commentary, outtakes, alternative endings, etc. . . . ) thatwas not included on the VHS version of the same title. To the extentthat a DVD contains such additional copyrighted material, the migrationfee would be deemed to include a supplemental license fee for theadditional content. Such additional content would be licensed to theconsumer on the same terms and with the same restrictions as the othercopyrighted material on the DVD or VHS cassette.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the Migration Program would beused as a tool for the creators/licensors of home videos. However, aspreviously mentioned, the core concept of retaining one's originallicense to copyrighted material and exchanging one storage media typefor another is not limited to the movie industry. The core concept couldbe easily adapted and applied to a wide variety of media types, such asaudio cassettes to compact discs, audio cassettes to digital discs,floppy disks to CD ROMs, printed books to books on tape, and the like.Preferably, the core concept would be applied to any situation wherecopyrighted material is stored on multiple media types.

In other certain embodiments of the invention, the Migration Programwould be incorporated into any situation which involves the introductionof newer technology that outdates older technology, wherein the customerhas a license to some proprietary aspect of the older technology andwould be willing to turn in the older technology for a reduced cost onthe newer technology with the same proprietary aspect. In these otherembodiments, one would not be limited only to applications in whichthere is copyrighted material being migrated. Examples of suchproprietary aspects could involve patent rights, trade secrets, etc.

In further certain embodiments of the invention, the Migration Programwould be incorporated into any situation which involves the introductionof newer technology that outdates older technology, wherein the customerwould be willing to turn in the older technology for a rebate on thenewer technology. In these other embodiments, one would again not belimited only to applications in which there is copyrighted materialbeing migrated. Examples could involve household appliances, telephonicdevices, computers, etc. Motivating factors in these embodiments for theconsumer to turn in their older technology would involve reduced costfor the newer technology, ridding oneself of the older technology, andpotentially reducing costs on upkeep or maintenance in regard to theolder technology. Motivating factors in these embodiments for theretailer to provide a rebate on the newer technology would involvehigher sales volume, increased product recognition, and potentiallyreceiving rebates from the government in the from of tax breaks forsaving energy or the environment by taking in and safely disposing ofthe older technology.

Ultimately, it would be up to the user of the core concept toincorporate the idea into his/her business, whatever way is mostfeasible. The method of implementation and use of the core concept wouldobviously vary, depending upon the user's business and the type oftechnology involved. Nonetheless, the inventors have included—forexemplary purposes only—two possible embodying methods of using the coreconcept in business. Once again, the movie industry will be depicted asthe sample business or industry. A flowchart illustrating the steps ofthe two methods of the sample industry is illustrated in FIG. 1.

For purposes of this example, the inventors will delineate two methodsof implementing the core concept into a business model. One modelcontemplates an online exchange of a VHS tape for a DVD of the sametitle, through a retailer's web site, while the other contemplates anactual walk-up exchange, performed at the retailer's place of business.The parties depicted in the example are the Customer, the Retailer andthe Filmmaker. It should be appreciated that the terms Customer,Retailer, and Filmmaker could each be replaced by a number of relativelysimilar terms that those skilled in the art would also recognize. Forexample, one could use consumer, client, patron, etc. for Customer; onecould use merchant, vendor, dealer, etc. for Retailer; and one could usefilm studio, production company, etc. for Filmmaker. As such, the termsCustomer, Retailer, and Filmmaker are used herein for conventionalpurposes and not with the intention of limiting the invention as such.In addition, the term Retailer used in this context can be interpretedas any party involved in the chain of distribution of the technologyincluding, but not limited to, the Filmmaker and/or authorized agents(e.g., parties operating distribution houses, video rental stores,etc.). Further, it should be appreciated that the parties may changegiven other technologies. For instance, a distributor could be used incombination or as an alternative to the retailer. Finally, although thefollowing examples discuss a franchise agreement (where the Retailerbuys the rights to facilitate the exchanges on the Filmmaker's behalf) aseparate franchise agreement is not necessarily required in all caseswhere the core concept is used.

Both methods have the same first two introductory steps. First, in step100, the Customer decides to exchange a VHS tape for a DVD of the sametitle. Next, in step 102, the Customer elects to facilitate the exchangeeither in person by way of the RETAIL model, or over an internetconnection by way of the ONLINE model. Customers who prefer not to go tothe retail store, or who live a considerable distance from aparticipating retailer, would likely elect the ONLINE model as set forthbelow.

In choosing the ONLINE model in step 102, the Customer will access thewebsite of a participating Retailer in step 104 to initiate the VHS toDVD Migration Program. Retailers may promote the VHS to DVD MigrationProgram via whatever advertising media the Retailer chooses, subject tothe guidelines established in the separate franchise agreement betweenthe Retailer and Filmmaker/distributor.

In step 106, the customer will be prompted to input data to facilitatethe transaction. The dedicated page on the participating Retailer'swebsite will prompt the Customer to choose from an alphabeticalpull-down menu (or similar mechanism) to identify the VHS title whichCustomer wishes to migrate to DVD. To the extent possible, the websitemay prompt the Customer to examine the VHS tape and/or jacket for uniqueidentifiers such as alpha-numeric codes, etc., and subsequently entersuch information (to authenticate the VHS tape).

The web page would further prompt the Customer to enter his/her mailingaddress, credit card number, or any other relevant information requiredto complete the transaction. The Retailer will likely use the samesecure socket processing methods it may already have in place forprocessing online credit card orders via the Retailer's website.

Upon submission of this information, the system would generate anddisplay a return authorization code, and prompt the Customer to mail theVHS tape(s) to a specified address, where the tape(s) is/are to bereceived by the participating Retailer.

Once the information is received, but before the return authorizationnumber is displayed, the Retailer might program a pop-up window to offerthe customer a special discount on other in-store merchandise, such as aDVD player (participating manufacturers). The discount would be validonly if the Customer elected to place the order for the merchandise atthe same time as the exchange. By way of example: “Do you have a DVDPlayer? Include one with this order, and take 10% off the manufacturer'sretail price. Click here for a list of qualifying players . . . ” Inaddition, Customer may also receive discounts on other related itemssuch as clothing apparel, toys, watches, etc.

In step 108, the Customer would surrender the VHS tape, typically bymailing the subject VHS tape to the address indicated by the web page,and conspicuously marking the package with the return authorization codegenerated by the web page (or the web page may prompt the customer toprint the final screen, and include the printout with the VHS tape).

In step 110, the participating Retailer will receive the Customerpackage, generally at the address it designates on the web page. Thiswill be dependant upon the distribution model established by therespective Retailer. For example, the Retailer may choose to have theVHS tape returned to the nearest participating Retailer location or theRetailer may have a national location established for the specificprocessing of returned VHS tape(s) and subsequent delivery of theselected DVD(s).

Additionally in step 110, the tape will be processed by the Retailer'spersonnel, in accordance with the franchise agreement from theFilmmaker. This will likely include opening the end cap of the tape andcutting the magnetic tape, or some other method for disabling orpartially destroying the tape.

Retailer will generally keep in their possession, for a specified periodof time (per the franchise agreement), the surrendered VHS tapes inorder for the Filmmaker to verify the numbers and/or audit Retailer. TheFilmmaker may require an on-site audit of the Retailer's VHS collection,which may include the actual physical identification of all respectiveVHS tapes, software data, or any other form of record keepingestablished per the franchise agreement. In addition, the Filmmaker mayrequire offsite verification in which the respective Retailer may berequired to mail all surrendered VHS tapes to the Filmmaker for auditpurposes. In the event an audit reveals a deficiency in the number oftapes in the Retailer's possession versus the number of tapes actuallyreported to the Filmmaker, the Filmmaker may have the option toterminate the franchise agreement with the respective Retailer andrecoup the costs, if any, associated with the deficiency.

Also the Retailer's personnel will catalog the receipt of the Customer'sVHS tape, in the manner prescribed by the franchise agreement with theFilmmaker.

Per the franchise agreement, the Retailer will establish an externalconnection with the Filmmaker (i.e. web link, etc.) using theFilmmaker's prescribed software and data security program, in whichreceipts of VHS tapes surrendered will be collected and transmitted tothe Filmmaker's network. The data may be transmitted on a daily, weekly,or bi-weekly basis, dependant upon the volume and other various factorsdetermined and established per the franchise agreement between Retailerand Filmmaker.

At the time Retailer establishes the connection to the Filmmaker'snetwork, an automated data dump will occur, whereby all of the exchangesin the Retailer's system (since the previous data dump) will be uploadedto the Filmmaker's network. Based upon the information received from theRetailer's data dump, a credit will be calculated by the Filmmaker'snetwork, which reimburses Retailer for the discount afforded to eachCustomer, via the VHS to DVD Migration Program. Credits will only be forthe DVDs related to the VHS to DVD Migration Program and not for anyother discounts offered by Retailer to customer (i.e. merchandise, DVDplayers). Should the Filmmaker elect to audit the results of theRetailer's data dump, the credit will be held until the audit iscomplete. Upon completion of the audit (or within a reasonable timeafter the data dump, if no audit is performed) the credit will accrue tothe Retailer. The Retailer might elect to apply such credit amount tofuture orders of DVD items from the Filmmaker, or the Retailer may electto cash out the credit, in which case a check for the amount of thecredit (or an electronic funds transfer) will be disbursed to theRetailer.

Finally, the Retailer's personnel will locate, package, address and shipa DVD of the same title to the Customer, at the address specified in theonline form submitted by Customer.

The franchise agreement may set out service levels, specific to thetotal time allowed for the entire process. For example, two-weekdelivery time from the date of receipt of the surrendered VHS tape tothe shipment date of the DVD to Customer. Retailer may also provide atracking number or a customer support number for verification ofshipment of the respective DVD.

The customer will receive a DVD of the same title as the VHS tapesurrendered, at the address (s)he specified in the online form in step112, which comprises the transaction completion step in the ONLINEmodel.

For Customers who prefer to complete the transaction quickly, or whoprefer not to submit personal/credit card information via the Internet,the RETAIL model will be elected in step 102. The initial step of theRETAIL model would entail the Customer going to the store location of aparticipating Retailer in step 114. Additionally, the Customer mustbring the VHS tape which he or she wishes to migrate to DVD. Retailersmay promote the VHS to DVD Migration Program via whatever advertisingmedia they choose, so long as the content is within the guidelinesestablished in the franchise agreement from the Filmmaker.

Upon entering the store location, the Customer will bring the tape tothe space designated by the Retailer for the VHS to DVD MigrationProgram (possibly the customer service/returns desk, or some otherspecifically constructed kiosk for the VHS to DVD Migration Program).Retailers may wish to have loss prevention personnel inspect merchandise(including VHS tapes for the VHS to DVD Migration Program), which arebrought onto the premises. They might attach a sticker or some other tagto the tapes, per store policy.

Upon arriving at the space designated by the Retailer for the VHS to DVDMigration Program, the Customer will surrender the VHS tape to theRetailer's authorized personnel in step 116. The Retailer's personnelwill, in turn, catalog receipt of the Customer's tape, in accordancewith the franchise agreement from the Filmmaker, and then disable orpartially destroy the tape as required by the franchise agreement. Thiswill likely include opening the end cap of the cassette and cutting themagnetic tape, or some other method for disabling or partiallydestroying the VHS tape.

Retailer will generally keep in their possession, for a specified periodof time (per the franchise agreement), the surrendered VHS tapes inorder for the Filmmaker to verify the numbers and/or audit Retailer. TheFilmmaker may require an on site audit of the Retailer's VHS collectionwhich may include the actual physical identification of all VHS tapes,software data, or any other form of record keeping established per thefranchise agreement. In addition, the Filmmaker may require offsiteverification in which the Retailer may be required to mail allsurrendered VHS tapes to the Filmmaker for audit purposes. In the eventan audit reveals a deficiency in the number of tapes in the Retailer'spossession versus the number of tapes actually reported to theFilmmaker, the Filmmaker may have the option to terminate the franchiseagreement with the respective Retailer and recoup the costs, if any,associated with the deficiency.

After the tape is cataloged and disabled, an in-store voucher (for useat the cashier) will be generated and given to the Customer at step 118.The computer system or software program that the Retailer uses tocatalog receipt of the VHS tape may also be used to generate thevoucher. The voucher might take the form of a bar-coded document or someother type of coupon that the Retailer chooses. The Retailer might alsowish to include special offers or incentives on the voucher itself (suchas a discount on the purchase of a DVD player or licensed merchandiserelating to the movie title being exchanged).

In step 130, following receipt of the voucher, the Customer will proceedto the media department of the Retailer's store, select a DVD of thesame title (s)he surrendered, and proceed to the checkout. If there areany special offers or incentives on the voucher, and the Customer wishesto avail him/herself of such offers, (s)he will retrieve the subjectmerchandise at this time, and bring it to the cashier for checkout.

Additionally in step 130, the customer will present the DVD and thevoucher to the cashier. The voucher will function similarly to a coupon,which discounts the retail price of the DVD by the appropriate amount.The DVD that is subject to the exchange will register at the full retailprice, when scanned at the checkout. The bar code or other code on thevoucher will apply the appropriate discount to the DVD or any otherspecially offered merchandise identified on the voucher, at the time thevoucher is scanned by the cashier.

At the time the Retailer establishes the connection to the Filmmaker'snetwork, an automated data dump will occur, whereby all of the exchangesin the Retailer's system (since the previous data dump) will be uploadedto the Filmmaker's network. Based upon the information received from theRetailer's data dump, a credit will be calculated by the Filmmaker'snetwork, which reimburses Retailer for the discount afforded to eachCustomer, via the VHS to DVD Migration Program. Credits will only be forthe DVDs related to the VHS to DVD Migration Program and not for anyother discounts offered by Retailer to customer (i.e. merchandise, DVDplayers). Should the Filmmaker elect to audit the results of theRetailer's data dump, the credit will be held until the audit iscomplete. Upon completion of the audit (or within a reasonable timeafter the data dump, if no audit is performed) the credit will accrue tothe Retailer. The Retailer might elect to apply such credit amount tofuture orders of DVD items from the Filmmaker, or the Retailer may electto cash out the credit, in which case a check for the amount of thecredit (or an electronic funds transfer) will be disbursed to theRetailer.

The Customer will tender the discounted amount and thus complete thetransaction as in step 112.

Using the embodying method described herein, the present inventionprovides a cost effective manner of doing such. While a preferredembodiment of the present invention has been described, it should beunderstood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may bemade therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. A method of replacing an older technology with a newer technology,the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an exchange program bywhich a retailer provides the newer technology at a reduced cost to acustomer who owns the older technology; and b) requiring that the newertechnology and the older technology each have a portion that is thesame.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the newer technology comprisesone or more DVDs and the older technology comprises one or more VHStapes.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the portion comprisescopyrightable material.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thecopyrightable material comprises a movie.
 5. The method of claim 3,wherein the customer has a license to the copyrightable material fromthe older technology.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the license wascreated through a purchase of the older technology by the customer. 7.The method of claim 5, wherein the license to the copyrightable materialis transferred from the older technology to the newer technology throughthe exchange program.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transfer ofthe license to the copyrightable material enables the retailer toprovide the newer technology at the reduced cost to the customer.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of registeringinformation of an interested customer and initiating the exchangeprogram through the use of a website on the internet.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the retailer provides the newer technology to thecustomer through one or more authorized agents.
 11. A method ofreplacing an older technology with a newer technology, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) offering a customer a service by which aretailer collects the older technology from the customer; and b)providing an exchange program by which the retailer provides the newertechnology at a reduced cost to the customer in exchange for the oldertechnology.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the newer technologycomprises one or more DVDs and the older technology comprises one ormore VHS tapes.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the newer technologyand the older technology each include a portion that is the same. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the portion comprises copyrightablematerial.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the copyrightable materialcomprises a movie.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the customer hasa license to the copyrightable material from the older technology. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the license was created through apurchase of the older technology by the customer.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the license to the copyrightable material istransferred from the older technology to the newer technology throughthe exchange program.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the transferof the license to the copyrightable material enables the retailer toprovide the newer technology at the reduced cost to the customer. 20.The method of claim 11, wherein the providing step involves the exchangeprogram occurring in two stages, in which the older technology isreceived by the retailer along with a reduced fee for the newertechnology and in which the newer technology is sent out to the customerin exchange for the reduced fee.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein theexchange of the newer technology for the older technology and the feeoccurs via a mail system being the exchange medium.
 22. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising the step of registering information of aninterested customer and initiating the exchange program through the useof a website on the internet.
 23. The method of claim 11, wherein theretailer provides the newer technology to the customer through one ormore authorized agents.
 24. The method of claim 11, wherein the retailercollects the older technology from the customer through one or moreauthorized agents.
 25. A method of replacing an older technology with anewer technology, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing anexchange program by which a retailer provides the newer technology at areduced cost to a customer who owns the older technology; and b)requiring that the newer technology and the older technology each have aportion that is the same, the older technology and the newer technologyeach having the portion that is the same enabling the retailer toprovide the newer technology at the reduced cost to the customer. 26.The method of claim 25, wherein the customer has a license to theportion from the older technology.
 27. The method of claim 26, whereinthe license to the portion from the older technology is transferred fromthe older technology to the newer technology through the exchangeprogram.